Netgear Arlo Pro (VMS4230) Review: Safety Meets Smart

Gone are the days when security camera installation was tricky like rocket science. With the rise of IOT devices, setting up CCTV cameras is now incredibly easy. Taking things to the next level, Netgear has introduced a line-up of security cameras that are not only user-friendly but also quite versatile. Currently, the hottest product in this category is the Netgear Arlo Pro, which boasts of a pair of wireless cameras with night vision. But, is the package worth a Rs 44,900 price tag?

Hardware

For a wire-free security camera system, the Arlo Pro (VMS4230) comes with quite a lot wires. There's a bunch of adapters, chargers, and a LAN cable. Have a look at the image below:

The camera units feature a minimal design. It seems to take a cue form EVE character from the movie Wall-E. The cameras house rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These can be charged while inside the camera, using the micro USB port. Or you can opt for optional dual-bay Arlo Pro Charging Station. The build quality of the entire set is excellent. Be it the base station, cameras, or even chargers are made of sturdy plastic. In fact, the wireless cameras are weatherproof and can withstand the rains.

The base station has an internal antenna. It can communicate with the cameras at the range of 300+ metres. The range may vary depending upon the walls and other obstacles. You also get simple LEDs to inform you the status of Internet connectivity and camera. Overall, the Arlo Pro kit is sturdy and has a modern design.

Setting it up

The Arlo Pro is absolutely easy to set up. Simply download the Arlo app on your smartphone, and it will guide you through the rest of the process.

On the first go, it asks you to choose your product from the Netgear security camera line-up. Next, you have to power up the base station and hook it up to your router using an ethernet cable.

The App will then detect your device on the network. Ensure that your phone is on the same network as that of Arlo Pro. Once the Arlo Pro is detected, you will be requested to name it and fill in your email ID.

Pair the wireless cameras to the base station and your security system is up and running. The current app-addicted generation will hardly take five minutes for the entire process.

Features and Performance

You can simply place the Arlo Pro on a table or any other surface. Netgear also bundles a neat wall mount that can hold a camera using powerful magnets. In most cases, the ideal place to put up a security camera is near the front door or outside on the poach. You can fit it in your baby’s room, if you are suspicious about the nanny.

The wireless cameras beam HD videos. You can access those in real time on your phone. You can save this stream locally on the base station or backup on Netgear's cloud services. You get a wide 130-Degree view. What's missing here is the ability to rotate the camera. That would have been a killer add-on feature.

It is equipped with IR night vision technology enabling you to keep an out in the darkest hours. The Arlo Pro has an onboard infrared motion sensor that detects movement at a range of up to 23 feet. You can customise the settings to enable movement alerts on the app. I must say it works like a charm.

The Arlo Pro has a built-in mic and speaker. This means you can communicate with the person in-front of the Arlo Pro camera using your phone. This can come in handy to alert your kids or pets about the intruders. The base station is fitted with a powerful siren. It can be set off remotely using the app to scare off the intruder. It is rated at 100+ decibels, which is quite uncomfortable for human ears.

Verdict

The Arlo Pro (VMS4230) is a user-friendly security camera. You can get it up and running within five minutes. Since it is water-resistant, you can install it in your porch. It comes with neat features such as HD video streaming, night vision, remote controlled siren, two-way audio, and cloud backup service. However, much like its features, the security system is also high on the price. Another downer is that the wireless cameras lack remote rotation feature. All things considered though, if money is not an issue, the Arlo Pro (VMS4230) is an ideal guardian for your house.